Howard University graduates reflect on Kamala Harris election Harris is the first graduate of a Historically Black University to become Vice President, an event that s resonating with HBCU graduates across the country. Author: Karys Belger Updated: 7:50 AM EST January 20, 2021 BUFFALO, N.Y. Jennifer Dublin remembers perfectly how she learned Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the 2020 Election. I was awoken with cheers and shouts and cars honking. Dublin, a Buffalo native, says the news was particularly exciting for her because of Kamala Harris. She s the first woman of color and also the first graduate of a Historically Black University (HBCU). Harris attended Howard University which is located in the District of Columbia.